Dress Code: Cocktail – Dress to Impress!
This is the highlight of the regional calendar, an inspiring evening recognising “The People Behind the Places” and the incredible contributions they make to communities throughout the region.
Ticket sales close Monday, 15 June 2026. Secure your place early to avoid missing out.
Tables of 8 are available. To book a full table, complete all tickets in one order and select “Pay on Invoice” at checkout.
About the Awards
Each year, Parks and Leisure Australia proudly recognises excellence across the industry through the prestigious Awards of Excellence program. These awards celebrate the outstanding initiatives, innovative projects, and dedicated professionals, “The People Behind the Places”, who create meaningful social, environmental, and economic benefits for communities through parks, leisure, and recreation.
From inspiring public spaces to innovative community programs, the Awards of Excellence honour those shaping vibrant, healthy, and inclusive environments for people of all ages and abilities.
Winning at the regional level also provides the opportunity to progress to the national stage, with regional winners becoming National finalists and invited to attend the National Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner in Melbourne on Tuesday 1st December
Please visit the dedicated Awards of Excellence webpage for further details.
Meet your host | Brad Tywnham
Brad is a proud Aboriginal Man of Garigal Descent and has a Global Consulting Practice in the area of leadership, technology and innovation and operates at the intersection of where humanity meets technology.
View the NSW/ACT nominees
Submissions across all categories can be viewed here.
- Community Based Initiative of the Year
- Environment and Sustainability Initiative
- Strategic Planning
- Community Facility of the Year
- Park of the Year
- Play space (over) $1m
- Play space (under) $1m
- Research Impact
- David Aldous Emerging Leader Award
- Innovation in Parks, Sport and Recreation
Sponsorship opportunities
